THE KALAHARI TYPING SCHOOL FOR MEN

Although the fourth in the Precious Ramotswe series, this is unfortunately the first that I've read. I write " unfortunately"because this is one of the best novels I've encountered in a long time, and I'm sorry it's taken me two years to discover such a wonderful writer.

Mma Ramotswe is relieved and happy that her fiancé , Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, is recovering from his battle with depression and is back at work at the garage. Meanwhile, her assistant in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (the title of the first book in the series), Mma Makutsi, is a little disconcerted that her job of running the garage in his absence is coming to an end, but resolves to start her own business— a for-men-only typing school. In the meantime, Mma Ramotswe has a new client who wants to right an old wrong— a flashy, suspicious and male competitor in the detecting business— and soon one of his unsatisfied clients.

Words cannot adequately describe the charm, the almost aching sweetness of the world into which McCall Smith transports us. This novel is not merely a mystery, but a place of refuge, a little corner of the universe where everything is made right. I want to go and live with Mma Ramotswe.
I hope that she and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni will adopt me. (Apr., 224 pp., $19.95)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to RT

Get RT’s latest news and book picks, plus information on contests, videos and convention updates delivered to your inbox every month! By clicking "subscribe" you will be subscribed using the email address associated with your RT account.

E-mail *

July Ratings

Download the ratings for all the new books reviewed in the July issue, conveniently formatted on easily printable pages.